How does public transport work in the Netherlands?
Index
- What types of public transport are available?
- What is NS?
- Is there an international train network from and to the Netherlands?
- How reliable is public transport in the Netherlands?
- What is an OV-chipkaart and how do I use it?
- Where to buy an OV-chipkaart?
- Can I pay with a debit or credit card?
- Are there travel passes or subscriptions?
- How do I plan my journey?
- Are apps available in English?
- Is there a metro in every city?
- How do I travel between cities?
- Is public transport accessible for people with disabilities?
- Is public transport safe at night?
- How can Anywr Netherlands help?
Trains, buses, trams, metros, ferries, and taxis are all part of the system. Bicycles are also widely used.
NS stands for Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the largest railway operator in the Netherlands. All ‘large’ connections are provided by NS, including intercity traffic.
For more local connections in regions outside the western part of the Netherlands, there are other railway companies, like Arriva (regional passenger services in the north, east, and south, including areas like Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Limburg, and parts of Gelderland), Keolis Nederland (Overijssel and Gelderland), Connexxion, Qbuzz and Breng.
Yes, NS International, European Sleeper, DB Regio NRW, Eurostar (including Thalys) operate from and to the Netherlands, serving many countries in Europe and the UK.
Dutch public transport is known for being clean, efficient, and well-connected across cities and regions.
It’s a rechargeable smart card used to check in and out of trains, buses, trams, and metros. You can top it up online or at train or bus stations.
Order a personal OV-chipkaart via the official website: ov-chipkaart.nl/en. The cost is € 7,50 (2025), and it’s valid for 5 years. The personal OV-chipkaart requires a photo and address in the Netherlands.
You can purchase an anonymous OV-chipkaart, that you can use immediately, from ticket machines at NS train stations or larger bus stations. No photo or registration needed.
Yes, you can check in and out using a contactless debit or credit card, but you won’t get travel discounts this way.
Yes, NS Flex and regional passes offer discounts for frequent travelers.
Use the NS website or app for trains, 9292 website or app for all public transport, or Google Maps to plan routes and check schedules.
Yes, most travel apps offer English interfaces.
No, metros operate mainly in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Other cities rely on buses and trams.
Trains are most suitable for intercity travel. They run frequently and connect most major cities.
Yes, most stations and vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, and assistance is available upon request.
Generally yes, especially in urban areas. Night buses and trains run in larger cities.
Anywr Netherlands provides commute times from the properties that we suggest to you to your work by public transport, car and by foot. We explain the public transport system to you so you can travel by yourself easily.
